Summertime... the very best time to travel to Provence to explore the region's breathtaking splendor when the lavender fields are in bloom!

 

We'll roam through the majestic countryside of lavender fields, vineyards, olive groves and ancient stone farmhouses. Visit historic hilltop villages and meander through local provencal outdoor markets. 

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Well take day trips with local historian guides to learn about Provence's rich history and see the region's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.... we'll enjoy delicious French Provencal cuisine and local Côtes du Rhône wine.

We’ll be based for six nights in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, the charming medieval village located across the Rhône River from Avignon, the historic and preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site city that is the gateway city to Provence.

 

With our local historian guides we'll visit:

 

• Avignon -- Palais des Papes, Pont Saint-Bénézet and Avignon Cathedral.

• Arles -- The former provincial capital of ancient Rome located on the Rhône River, with Roman monuments, including Arles Amphitheater, that are now protected UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Arles is also where artist Vincent Van Gogh painted over 300 paintings, including: The Yellow House, Starry Night Over the Rhone, The Night Cafe, and L'Arlésienne. 

• Aix en Provence -- One of the most picturesque cities in the South of France and birthplace of painter Paul Cézanne; we'll take a walking tour the city's old town and visit Cézanne's former studio, Atelier Cézanne. 

• Pont du Gard - Uzès - Nîmes -- Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is magnificent well-preserved 2000 year-old Roman aqueduct that crosses the Gardon River, built to carry water 50 kilometers; Uzès, one of the South of France's most beautiful historical market towns; Nîmes, with Roman ruins and a near perfectly symmetric two-tier amphitheater built approximately 100 AD, and still used for events today.  

• Saint-Rémy-de-Provence & Carrieres des Lumieres - Saint-Remy is the the classical Provence village where Vincent van Gogh was hospitalized at Saint-Paul Asylum and where he painted many of his famous works; we'll also see the extraordinary Carrieres des Lumieres art & music multimedia show set in a former Provence quarry.

• Châteauneuf du Pape -- The most famous village for Côtes du Rhône wine.

• Luberon Valley: Countryside, Lavender Fields & Villages -- Stopping to see some the most beautiful villages countryside sites to include: Gordes, Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, Roussillon and Lacoste.

 

The trip includes many extras -- welcome reception with Côtes du Rhône wines and local cheeses... French Provencal cooking class and meal with a celebrated local chef... farewell dinner with traditional French cuisine and local wines.

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There will be personal free time to meander through Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and Avignon to discover their old world charm... shop in the outdoor markets and boutiques... relax at sidewalk cafes... soak up the South of France summertime sunshine with Provence averaging over 300 days of sunshine a year!

 

Optional before breakfast group pleasure walks through Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and along the Rhône River are organized for travelers who want some morning exercise before starting their vacation day.

 

The Provence History & Culture Discovery Tour Is Designed To Provide:

• A fabulous vacation experience in beautiful Southern France!

• A friendly and fun small group environment limited to 15 persons. Enjoy the camaraderie and begin friendships with like-minded travelers.

• Great trip with many activities - local historian guided small group tours and escorted walks… Côtes du Rhône wine tasting session… French Provencal cooking class and dinner with a local chef.

• Free time for personal sightseeing... shopping... enjoying French pasties and cuisine... relaxing at outdoor cafes.

• Optional group morning pleasure walks led by WalkEurope president, Tom Harter.

• Recommended restaurants will be provided should you want to explore on your own, yet everyone is invited to join the tour host for local-cuisine group meals.

• Concierge service & support – fully escorted tour, personal & customized service for a WORRY-FREE vacation!​ 

 

What's Included:

• Six nights in a choice of personally selected hotels.

  • Charming Boutique Hotel: Hôtel de l'Atelier, family owned and operated guesthouse hotel in a character-filled 16th century residence.

  • Premiere/Signature Luxury Hotel: Hotel de Le Prieuré, a Relais & Chateaux luxury group hotel, in a quite and relaxed private setting with a lovely garden and pool.

• Daily hotel buffet breakfasts.

• Welcome Reception – with local Côtes du Rhône wines and Provence cheeses hosted by WalkEurope.

• Day Trip - Avignon

• Day Trip - Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Carrieres des Lumieres, Châteauneuf du Pape

• Day Trip - Aix en Provence

• Day Trip - Pont du Gard, Uzès, Nîmes 

• Day Trip - Luberon Valley: Countryside, Lavender Fields, Hill Top Villages

• French Provencal Cooking Class - and meal with a celebrated chef.

• Côtes du Rhône Wine Tasting - with region wine expert.

• Cocktail Hour Soirees - enjoy before dinner local wines hosted by WalkEurope.

• Farewell Dinner - featuring traditional French cuisine and Côtes du Rhône wines hosted by WalkEurope.

• Morning Pleasure Walks - optional before breakfast group pleasure walks through Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.

• Villa/garden/museum entrance fees for all group activities and day trips 

• Ground transportation for all group activities, including private vans/buses for day trips

 

Arrival & Departure City:

Avignon, France. 

 

Trip Cost:

Charming Boutique Hotel Option

• $5,350 -- 7 days / 6 nights per person in double occupancy shared hotel room. For solo travelers, we will try to find you a roommate. Tour cost does not include airfare.

• Added cost for private single room hotel accommodation option - $1,075

Premiere Luxury - Relais & Chateaux Group Hotel Option

• $6,625 – 7 days / 6 nights per person in double occupancy shared hotel room. Tour cost does not include airfare.

• Added cost for private single room hotel accommodation option - $2,250

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Space Is Limited -- Available on 1st Reserve Basis -- Reserve Early!

Small Group Tour -- Limited to 15 persons.